Texas pitcher throws no-hitter, scores game’s only run on homer in state tourney upset

It’s a common over-exaggeration to say that a player knocked off an opponent singlehandedly. Except it wasn’t much of an exaggeration for a regional playoff baseball victory in Texas, where a starting pitcher threw a no-hitter and scored the only run of the game with a solo homer.

“The pitch sunk a little more than I thought it would so I got my hands extended and I got it with the sweet spot of the bat and I knew it was gone off the crack of the bat,” Martinelli told the Daily Light of his home run. “I still wanted a couple more runs because I was getting nervous, but it was a great team win.”

Of course, Martinelli himself made sure that he didn’t need any more runs. Instead, all he needed was himself, as he used what was described as a “filthy breaking pitch” and an overpowering fastball to consistently set down a lineup which entered with a collective .354 batting average.

“I kept track of [the no-hitter] the whole game, but I really started thinking about it in the fourth and I just tried to stay in the zone,” Martinelli said. “But I couldn't ask for anything more from my teammates. They played great behind me. We definitely couldn't have done it with out all our fans out here supporting us either.”

Now the fans get a chance to keep supporting the Indians, thanks to Martinelli and Martinelli alone.